Job Title: Manager

Location: LDHAS, 2 Aalborg Place, Lancaster LA1 1BJ

Overview

Lancaster & District Homeless Action Service (LDHAS) has been operating in Lancaster for over 30 years providing help to rough sleepers and vulnerably housed people.

The centre is the heart of the organisation. We offer a basic needs service for people sleeping on the streets. We provide a service for those who are homeless or experiencing housing poverty in the Lancaster and District area.

We provide the following essential needs for rough sleepers:

Assistance with form filling
Breakfast and lunch
Phone access
Access to identification documents
Shower
A care of address for correspondence
Clothing
Laundry facilities

We are also a one-stop shop / homeless hub with visiting agencies providing services from our building to our clients, be it advice on benefits (universal credits, PIP etc), drug and alcohol services, help with housing needs, or medical assistance from a nurse in our medical room.

Job summary

The post holder will operationally manage LDHAS ensuring effective day-to-day management and the delivery of high-quality support to street homeless individuals with complex needs. This role involves leading and managing a team of staff and volunteers and facilitating a hub for a range of services. The post holder will foster strong partnerships within the hub ensuring it operates efficiently, safely and in line with LDHAS's values and policies. The post-holder will also lead LDHAS in the strategic development of its vision as a hub for a range of services. This includes strategy and business planning development and articulating LDHAS's vision and mission in partnership with the Board.

The post holder will:

Provide strong and effective leadership to the operational team, fostering a positive and collaborative working environment.
Oversee the day-to-day operations of LDHAS services, ensuring they are delivered to a high standard and in line with agreed policies and procedures.
Manage and support the performance and development of staff and volunteers, including supervision, appraisal, and training.
Develop and maintain effective working relationships with partner agencies and stakeholders within the hub and the wider community.
Ensure the hub operates as a safe and welcoming environment for service users, staff, and volunteers, adhering to health and safety regulations.
Contribute to the development and implementation of LDHAS's strategic plans and operational policies.
Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of services, identifying areas for improvement and implementing changes as required.
Manage budgets effectively within the operational remit, ensuring value for money.
Ensure accurate record-keeping and data collection in line with organisational requirements and relevant legislation.
Prepare reports for the Board of Trustees and other stakeholders on operational activities and performance.
Lead on safeguarding matters within the operational team, ensuring adherence to LDHAS's safeguarding policies and procedures.
Manage risk effectively within the operational areas, implementing appropriate risk assessments and mitigation strategies.
Respond dynamically to situational changes and risks, ensuring the safety and well-being of service users, staff, and volunteers.
Develop and monitor plans and processes for ensuring the long-term viability of the organisation and ensure impact reporting is developed.
Work with the finance manager and fundraising manager to ensure the financial sustainability of the charity by identifying and securing appropriate funding that supports the charity in achieving its objectives.
Identify and respond to emerging needs and trends within the local homeless community.
Represent the LDHAS at relevant forums and meetings.
Respond to media enquiries, manage events, photo calls and visits.
Produce, edit, proofread, and co-ordinate complex internal and external publications, client leaflets and public advice documents.
Write press releases and articles; oversee print and distribution.
Work with the management team to prepare the annual report and annual accounts for authorisation by the Board and then submission to The Charity Commission and Companies House.
Report to the Board on the organisation's strategic developments and challenges and risks.
Alongside the Board, take responsibility for the legal obligations of the organisation in accordance with The Charity Commission and Companies House.

Personal Specification

Education/ qualifications:

Professional knowledge of working with vulnerable adults and homelessness. Gained through qualification and/or equivalent Bachelor level experiential learning.
The ability to draw on and apply personal lived experiences appropriately.
Evidence of continuing professional development.

Knowledge:

Extensive knowledge and understanding of the issues faced by homeless or vulnerable people and the difficulties they experience in accessing services that are responsive to their needs.
Knowledge of relevant legislation, policies, and procedures related to homelessness and safeguarding.

Experience:

Extensive experience in managing services for individuals with complex needs.
Experience of developing and delivering effective inter-agency working.
Experience in the development of new roles and services.
Demonstrable evidence of leading change.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a CV along with a comprehensive covering letter detailing their relevant experience and motivation for applying to join the LDHAS team to contact@ldhas.org.uk or via post to LDHAS, 2 Aalborg Place, Lancaster LA1 1BJ.

The closing date for applications is Friday 15th August 2025.

Shortlisting will take place week commencing Monday 18th August 2025 with interviews being arranged thereafter.

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